Today was more than a special day. It marked the release of one of the most anticipated games of the decade. It promised to be both an MMORPG and a traditional single-player RPG. The developers had assured players that their new AI system would make every choice truly unique. Without question, it was the most awaited game in the world. Fully customizable magic systems, endless choices, and limitless adventures awaited.
So why was it that, in front of the only Amazing Digital Game Centre—a place where you were supposed to be able to buy every new release—there was only a single person waiting?
He wore nothing remarkable, just comfortable clothes. His long black hair framed a delicate face, and his jade-green eyes shone the moment you looked into them. His features were so soft they could easily be mistaken for a girl's.
He had come straight from home in sandals, clearly unconcerned with appearances. There was no real reason to pay him any attention. And yet, the moment he stepped into the store, the cashier's head snapped toward him. The old man blushed lightly : Wow... what a beautiful young girl... Why is she dressed so simply despite those incredible curves...
Sensing the cashier's lingering stare, the young man spoke.
"In case you haven't noticed, I'm a guy."
"HUUUUUH?!"
The old cashier didn't have time to stop himself; the words spilled out before he could swallow them back.
"Y-You! You're a man?! With that face and that hair?!"
He pointed an accusing finger at the young man, but the latter didn't respond. He was far too used to this kind of confusion : And here we go again… someone else thinks I'm a girl. I'm a real man, damn it. A tough one! In samurai movies, they grow their hair long. I've seen that you also have to train your body, so I train. But somehow only my hips and thighs get stronger… I really didn't get good genes. And with this short height, it's hard to look mature…
Suddenly, a wide smile spread across his face as he declared proudly: But that's fine! My quest to become a real man is only just beginning! That said… I have a few things to take care of first. Like getting my hands on the game everyone's talking about!
The boy wandered through the aisles for a while, until he came across a game titled "Verendiel Quest Online", also known as "V.Q.O." It was the very game that had caused such an uproar thanks to its revolutionary features. After all the noise, all the promises, and all the hype, it was finally time to test it for himself.
He made his way toward the counter and addressed the old man.
"This game, please."
"Ah, you want to try V.Q.O., huh? My kid was completely obsessed with it too. Ever since the announcement and all those trailers, everyone was dying to get their hands on it. But strangely enough, just a few hours after release, I already got hundreds of returns. You're coming in late, so you probably didn't see it, but this morning the place was packed. And now? Nobody wants to touch the game anymore. I really wonder what people didn't like…"
"There's something weird about the game? Like a hidden ARG or a massive bug?"
"No idea, kid. Not my problem. Either way, I'll ring you up, and you'll see for yourself."
…
Not long after buying the game, back at Valia's place, the young man who had just purchased V.Q.O. spoke to himself.
"Well then… let's test this thing."
He picked up the game box and opened it, and then—
"Aaaah?! Are you kidding me?!"
There was nothing inside. Nothing at all. They didn't put a damn game in the box. That's why everyone is returning it! What a bunch of idiots! How do you mess up on such a monumental level, forgetting to put the freaking disc inside the game box?! Or maybe it's on purpose and they want us to pay extra later! Aaaarrgh! I'm so sick of th—
But suddenly, something caught his attention and brought his rant to a halt. A small piece of paper lay inside the box : Huh? What's this? A piece of paper? What for? What I want is the disc, not this… but whatever.
He reached out and picked up the paper. It was folded. He unfolded it and read what was written on it.
—You look cute. I have something better than a random game for you. How about you experience it firsthand?
Suddenly, a brilliant light flooded the room in an instant. Valia's eyes were blinded, followed by a heavy, unnatural silence…
…
Where the hell am I…? Ahhh, my head… it hurts so much… why do I feel so heavy…? Come on, open your eyes, just open them, it's not that hard…
Ah? As I finally open my eyes, I begin to understand what surrounds me. I'm inside a massive bedroom, the kind you would expect to find in a grand manor. A desk, neatly arranged belongings, everything perfectly ordered and elegant. None of it makes any sense. I was supposed to be in my own room, about to test a new game, right after opening that piece of paper…
Valia tried to sit up, when suddenly something bounced slightly the moment he left the bed.
"Huh? And what is that supposed to be… AAH—!"
Lowering his head, he realized with horror that he had… a chest. Small and modest, but undeniably there. Instinctively, he scanned the room, his gaze darting around until he finally spotted a mirror near one of the desks in the room where he had awakened.
He rushed toward it, desperate to get a proper look at this unfamiliar appearance. And then, the moment his eyes met the reflection staring back at him, shock froze him in place.
A young woman with beautiful white hair and eyes as golden as polished gold stood before him. Her figure was slender and balanced, her presence strangely captivating without being excessive. Her thighs were strong and well-shaped, her posture natural yet elegant. She wore a black-and-white uniform with a golden emblem, along with a short skirt matching the outfit : This outfit… I've heard of it before. In V.Q.O., there's a magic academy the player can attend if they choose to. I remember seeing this uniform in some of the trailers… but that would mean…!
"I-I've… for some reason I still don't understand… reincarnated inside V.Q.O. as a student of the magic academy…?!"
Then he narrowed his eyes at his reflection, thinking more carefully.
"That said… being reincarnated as a girl doesn't actually change that much. I still have the same body type as before… though I have to admit, I look pretty good. If I met someone this attractive in real life, I'd probably freeze up before even daring to speak…"